Republican Jay Hardaway is the projected winner of Texas House District 71, defeating Democratic candidate Diana Luna. With 99% of the vote reported, Hardaway had 73.7% of the vote.
The Texas House is projected to be under Democratic control for the first time in nearly 25 years, according to the report. In an interview, Hardaway said he hopes to work with members of both parties and with colleagues in the state Senate on legislation. He said he is interested in reforms on data centers and that he hopes Democrats will support those efforts.
Hardaway also said lawmakers should judge legislation issue by issue rather than assume party disagreements will block progress. He is scheduled to take office Jan. 12, 2027, at the start of the 90th Texas Legislature.